MANILA, Philippines — Several members of the House of Representatives on Friday formally rejected allegations made by Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste regarding a supposed P2-million “Christmas bonus” distributed to lawmakers.
Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong led the pushback, describing the claims as “unfair,” “disingenuous,” and a “misrepresentation” of official legislative funds. Adiong clarified during a media briefing that the checks Leviste presented to the public were not bonuses but were actually allocations for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and salaries.
“He was claiming there was a bonus, but the checks he provided to the media were actually for the operational expenses of his district and his salary. They are not bonuses,” Adiong said. He further noted that since the checks were issued in Leviste’s name, they are part of a transparent, audited process within legal bounds.
The controversy began when Leviste alleged that the release of the funds coincided with the ratification of the 2026 national budget during the final week of the year. Leviste claimed he returned his check to the Committee on Accounts because he disagreed with the disbursement.
Other House leaders, including Appropriations Chairperson Mikaela Suansing and Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno, have also vehemently denied the claims. Puno earlier explained that the funds were “additional funding” intended to support district-level requirements during the holiday season, rather than personal incentives for lawmakers.
Adiong criticized the timing and nature of the allegation, suggesting it creates a negative public impression of the chamber. He emphasized that most lawmakers rely on MOOE to maintain district offices and deliver services, unlike Leviste, whom he described as not needing such funds due to his personal wealth.
The House leadership maintains that all disbursements are documented and subject to Commission on Audit (COA) regulations.